Marion Blaeser age 73, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday March 6, 2012 at her residence.

Marion Ann Riegert, the daughter of Joseph H. and Gertrude (Ebnet) Riegert was born November 30, 1938 near Mahnomen. She attended Hart Country School, rural Waubun, MN, and graduated from Waubun High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, Marion worked at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen.

On December 13, 1959 Marion was united in marriage to Kenneth Blaeser. The couple made their home in St. Paul, MN, where Marion worked for White Castle Restaurant. Over the next several years while living in the metro area, she worked at an envelope business, a catering company and also provided daycare and served as a foster family. In addition to foster children, their nephew, Kenny Riegert, lived with them while attending high school and formed a everlasting relationship similar to that of a son. Following a back injury in the late 1980's, Marion and Kenny moved back to Mahnomen and built their dream home…a log home where they have since lived.

Marion was very family oriented and called upon as the family historian. Reunions, holiday gatherings and family get togethers were a must, with Christmas ranking at the top. She had a very generous spirit, lighthearted attitude and unending support as a Minnesota Vikings fan. Marion enjoyed helping others and was one of the first recipients of the Golden Deeds Award. For many years, she served as a volunteer driver and touched many lives. She loved playing Bingo, gardening and canning the fruits of her and Kenny's labor. Marion also enjoyed music, especially that of Lawrence Welk and the oldies and in her younger years, she liked attending dances at the Flowing Well.

Marion is survived by her husband of 53 years, Kenny of Mahnomen; her daughter Jean (Randy) Sauk of Mahnomen; one brother, Leo (Germaine) Riegert of Waubun; one sister, Joanne (Milt) Ripley of White Bear Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Kenneth, and one sister, Carol Wendell.

A Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Father Tony Fernando was the celebrant with Brenda Sørensen as the accompanist and Dave Kochmann as the cantor. The urn bearer was Paul Riegert. The honorary urn bearers were Marion's nieces and nephews: Ken, Lee, Joe, David, JoAnne and Mary Riegert, Ronald and Julie Ripley and Sarah Ripley Orille, Thomas Wendell and Michelle Wendell Higgins and Marion's Great Nieces and Great Nephews. A time of gathering was held on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen.